Kucherov, Nikita

In light of the tragic crash of the plane carrying the Yaroslavl Lokomotiv club, the KHL has announced a revised schedule for the season. The opening of the season has been pushed back to 9/12, when Vasily Koshechkin and Cherepovets will face Dynamo Minsk and Nikita Kucherov and CSKA will face off against Khanty-Mansiysk. The date will also feature the emotional return of Yaroslavl to the ice against Dynamo Moscow. The league has yet to formally announce how the team's roster will be replaced, as decisions have been deferred until after the memorial service for the team.

BoltProspects would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the families and friends of all of the players and crew who lost their life in the crash. In particular, BoltProspects would like to send its sincerest condolences to former Lightning draft pick Ivan Rachunek, whose brother Karel, Yaroslavl's team captain, perished in the tragedy.

With the passing of August, the summer is on its decline, and hockey season is almost here in North America. But, in Europe, preseason games are already being played and the regular season is set to begin next week. On Thursday, slick scoring prospect Nikita Kucherov and CSKA will square off against perennial league power Magnitogorsk in their season opener in the Russian KHL. A week later, on 9/15, action starts in the Finnish SM-liiga where Riku Helenius and JYP will open against KalPa. That day also marks the start of the Swedish Elitserien where Johan Harju and Lulea will face Vaxjo.

Scouting Report

One of the purest finishers in the 2011 draft class. Had an unbelievable 11 goals and 21 points in 7 games at the U18 World Junior Championships en route to winning a Bronze Medal and being named the tournament's Best Forward. Excellent agility and "wiggle" in his game allows him to elude defenders and give himself space to create.

Weaknesses:

Has a reputation for being a diver. Also has a reputation for being a perimeter player who doesn't go into high traffic areas or work along the wall consistently. Would be more effective in that aspect of the game if he was stronger. Like many Russians, he has the tendency to hang onto the puck too much and not share it with linemates.

Projection:

Boom or bust. World class, goal scoring winger in the NHL or lifetime KHL star.